FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT  1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES  2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A COLLABORATIVE SYSTEM AND METHOD TO MINE INVENTIONS
Applicant
TATA Consultancy Services Limited
A company Incorporated in India under The Companies Act  1956
Having address:
Nirmal Building  9th Floor 
Nariman Point  Mumbai 400021 
Maharashtra  India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present subject matter of the invention described herein  in general relates to systems and methods for invention mining.
BACKGROUND

Invention mining is the process of strengthening an ideation object through a collaborative interaction. The objective of such a process is to pose structured questions to develop capabilities towards widening  lengthening and deepening an ideation object  thereby further maturing it as a ‘patentable invention’. The process in turn  facilitates the emergence of new inventors  sharpens the skill towards inventions and establishes invention communities in an enterprise.

Scott D. Hicks et al. From International Business Machines Corporation had filed a Patent Application (Ref: US20060218173) titled "Method  system and Program Product for Invention Mining"  wherein the invention mining method comprises extracting and storing ideas of individual inventors participating in an invention in a first database and creating a consolidated invention disclosure report using information extracted from each of the invention disclosures  wherein all members of the project team can access the displayed such invention disclosure report.

Independent to it  Brainbank  Inc. has built up a Patent portfolio (Ref: US7533034  US20090132350  20110093539) for idea management and development of an idea  wherein the methodology includes obtaining response from an inventor and to develop it through a series of templates comprising information regarding the financial consequences of implementing the idea  etc. Each submitted idea or request for ideas for such System and process is assigned to a facilitator who is responsible for performing tasks designed to advance the idea within the organization. The system tracks performance of these tasks and provides information  such as a list of experts available to consult in relation to an idea or task.

An ideation object/concept in an Enterprise must be matured from business  technical  time sustenance  socio-economic and regulatory context to carry significant value and hence  should be taken further forward as promoting and protecting as Patent Application if maturity along such dimensions is achieved. This may in turn create a focussed inventors’ portfolio in an Enterprise where ideation objects from such community are more resilient and aligned to an Enterprise’s business footprint.

SUMMARY
The summary provided herein is to introduce the concepts related to system  method and computer program product for Collaborative Invention Mining of a singular or plurality of Ideation objects. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed invention.
One of the preferred embodiments of the present subject matter comprises a computer-implemented Collaborative Invention Mining (CIM) system and a method to mine ideation object and eventually mature it towards patentable invention. In particular  the present subject matter is realized through a CIM system comprising a collaborative framework  incorporating a plurality of modules to administer  structure  mature  validate  and measure the said ideation object.
An aspect of the present subject matter disclosed herein is further directed towards a collaborative workflow encompassing strengthening an idea by incorporating dimensional rigor along multitude predefined dimensions with manifold attributes enabling widening  lengthening  deepening and converging of a given ideation object. The method further comprises progressive collaborative structuring of the said ideation object by maturing along a hierarchy of incremental maturity stages through a series of predefined tasks and iterative validations.
A further aspect of the subject matter described herein incorporates an evaluation and scoring methodology and corresponding system modules to generate metrics that indicate inherent features of said ideation object thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Further objects  embodiments  features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent when read together with the detailed description and accompanied drawings. The objective of the drawings included herein is to lay more emphasis on understanding the underlying principle of the invention. The manner in which the drawings are presented in no way limit the scope of the invention and the advantages one can garner from the embodiments of the present invention.

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figure(s). Different numeral references on figures designate corresponding elements through different views. In the figure(s)  the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference number in different figure(s) indicates similar or identical items.

Figure 1 illustrates the conceptual framework for maturing an ideation object through collaborative interaction.
Figure 2A is a figurative representation of the Idea Detailing Tree (IDT) schema and Figure 2B is a comparative representation of a wishful IDT that is desired as an output and a realized IDT that contains elements for an ideation object that has undergone the process of collaborative invention mining.
Figure 3 illustrates the category  area and characteristic dimensions and the associated attributes for facilitating structuring of an ideation object which may lead to sustainable  focused claim creation.
Figure 4A represents a Collaboration Workflow Design of Invention Mining for progressively maturing an ideation object across 4-fold (SFNC) maturity stages with ETVX Sequence and Figure 4B exemplifies the CIM template for facilitating the same.
Figure 5 and Figure 6 illustrate various system modules that work in tandem in order to administer  mature  validate  evaluate and analyze ideation object received from a singular or plurality of inventors or from an inventor community in an enterprise.
Figure 7 depicts the scoring template to evaluate  score and position an ideation object or an invention.
Figure 8 shows the pattern analysis and cluster generation module incorporated in the CIM system.
Figure 9A and 9B illustrate derivation of Claim Tree  one of the visual outputs generated by CIM system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present subject matter comprise a collaborative system  method and computer program product to mine inventions. The system and method described herein are orchestrated by a comprehensive 48-cell Idea Detailing Tree (IDT) module that collaboratively drives an ideation object across multitude of hierarchical maturity stages such that is questioned  deliberated  segmented and converged along Category  Area and Characteristic Dimensions comprising NIU  PTMS and EA3 attributes respectively  towards patentable claimable subject matter for a select set of jurisdiction. The framework is manifested as computer implemented CIM system that comprises modular objects that interact in a collaborative manner to administer  structure  mature  validate  evaluate and analyze the identified ideation object so as to accord it as patentable invention. Such a system and method serves to objectively assess ideas that are contributed by a singular or plurality of inventors  or inventor communities in an enterprise.

In order to create a strategic  agile and time-sustainable patent portfolio  it is important to impart multiple dimensional rigor to ideation objects systematically to position it appropriately  which may facilitate further in crucial decision making for investment and at the same time create a focused community of inventors contributing towards sustainable ideation funnel in an enterprise.

For the purpose of gaining understanding into the underlying principles of the invention and its various features  reference will be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Also it is important to note that the detailed description presented herein does not intend to dilute or limit the scope of the invention. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments and any further application of the principles of the invention as described herein are construed as it would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

An idea or ideation object represents a thought that could be potentially novel  creative  and can be applied to a process  technology  tool  framework  apparatus  device  system  metrics  etc. When the thought process behind an idea is given direction  the idea has the potential to turn into a ‘spark of ingenuity’  which can be harnessed by an individual/enterprise.

Typically  patents or inventions originate from ideation objects which need to be assessed from close quarters such that they generate substantial value in leveraging  licensing  building a portfolio  conducting business  etc. We define Invention Mining as a collaborative  sequential  structured process that can yield dividends to mature ideation objects into patentable inventions for a select set of jurisdiction.

With reference to Figure 1  The Collaborative Invention Mining framework (100) comprises three primary dimensions – Category (101)  Area (102) and Characteristics (103)  along which an ideation object is structurally strengthened and further being evaluated through collaborative workflow. The ‘Category’ dimension (101) broadly categorizes the width of an ideation object across conceptual  technological advancement or commercial implementation categories. The ‘Area’ dimension (102) comprises a classification based lengthening of an ideation object along various capability building constituents. The ‘Characteristic’ dimension (103) comprises segmenting the ideation object’s time sustenance facets to further deepen the capability towards longevity and sustainable valuation. Further  for each of these said dimensions  a set of attributes has been defined according to the present context of invention mining and idea maturity.
The ‘Category’ dimension (101) comprises attributes of ‘Novelty’  ‘Inventive Step’ and ‘Utility’ (NIU) to critically assess an ideation object’s scope of patentability. These three attributes have been identified  as most jurisdictions examine patents on the basis of Novelty  Inventive Step and Utility. Furthermore  each of these attributes has been contextually defined in order to examine an idea using state-of-the-art Collaborative Invention mining System.
‘Novelty’ is defined as a patentability scope of an ideation object  which assesses said object to be new  in the context of pre-existing knowledge in public domain.
‘Inventive Step’ is defined as a patentability scope of an ideation object along the line of technical advancement as compared to existing knowledge or (thereby) creating economic significance or both and that makes an ideation object not an obvious extension or mere re-arrangement of known existing components to a person skilled in the art.
‘Utility’ is defined as a patentability scope of an ideation object that demonstrates the applicability in a new way for a given set of real world scenarios resulting into socio-economic impact either on mass scale or on a stratified population.
Similarly  the ‘Area’ (102) dimension comprises attributes of ‘Process’  ‘Technology’  ‘Measurement’ and ‘System’ (PTMS) that are necessary to develop capability maturity of an idea. The contextual definitions of PTMS attributes are as described herein.
‘Process’ is broadly defined as a method or a framework for performing a function or accomplishing a task or solving a problem.
‘Technology’ encompasses an entirely new technology area  newer interdisciplinary or integration of disparate fields/technologies or mashup technology or significant advancement/ improvement in an existing technology  in certain areas to solve the technical aspects of an idea.
‘Measurement’ is related to defining a set of tools  measures  metrics  etc. to measure or optimize a process  technology  or a system performance.
‘System’ comprises a set of physical objects including product  device  machine  apparatus  article of manufacture  composition of matter  etc.  which may be closely linked or is manifesting a process  technology or measurement.
The ‘Characteristic’ dimension (103) comprises ‘Efficient’  ‘Adaptable’  ‘Agile’ and ‘Anticipative’ (EA3) as the attributes to measure time sustenance of an idea. These attributes measure the characteristic of an ideation object in combination with the Category and Area. An ‘Efficient’ characteristic measures self-optimization of an ideation object ""doing more with less"" in terms of lower cost  minimum infrastructural modification  time reduction  better quality  less effort  optimization through process standardization  etc.
An ‘Adaptable’ characteristic determines flexibility of an ideation object element for resilience to change  to make it fit for nearly similar scenarios.
An ‘Agile’ characteristic determines the responsiveness of an ideation object element to a given scenario and its fitment.
An ‘Anticipative’ characteristic determines longevity of an ideation object to future need and create novelty at the present time to address it.
It is important to note here that the said contextually defined dimensions and attributes are mere representation of manifold aspects to impart dimensional rigor thereby structurally maturing an ideation object. There may be other similar terminology or nomenclature that may sufficiently encompass the intended meaning of said attributes and parameters and would not limit the scope of the subject matter.
Each of the throughputs of ideation object segments under aforementioned Category  Area and Characteristic dimensions and their corresponding plurality of attributes have to be validated iteratively and efficiently in a collaborative manner. The Validate and Iterate (104) dimension of the framework  is thus the module where the idea is further validated to identify  extract its novel essence after which it is built and enriched further upon those. An embodiment of said dimension is achieved through efficient and agile use of enterprise resources such as a Knowledge Base  interaction with expert communities  searching for patent and non-patent literature in known sources and others. To a person skilled in the art  there may be a combination of resources and processes that are not explicitly mentioned here that could be employed in order to perform validation and iteration.
The objective of CIM framework  is to extract an enriched idea after a series of questioning and deliberation in a collaborative environment such that the throughput is a structured invention  which may further be depicted in a Technical Note and an Invention Disclosure (105) in a prescribed format to be taken up for the patent filing process.
It is necessary to have a structured approach to mature an idea across a plurality of dimensions and attributes  the absence of which can prove to be complicated process. One such simplification is a construction of an Ideation Tree.
A schema of said Ideation Tree (200) is represented in Figure 2A. Base of the tree symbolizes funnel of an idea  which has entered into the Collaborative Invention Mining Workflow. The ideation object at its current developmental stage is channelized first through N-Funnel (201) (Novelty)  I-Funnel (202) (Inventive Step) and U-Funnel (203) (Utility)  signifying widening scope of the ideation object along NIU Patentability criteria  epitomizing widening of the tree stem. With progression to higher level of maturity  each of the widened ideation elements or segments can further be deliberated towards lengthening into Process  Technology  Measurement and System (PTMS) branches  with focus on building capabilities along PTMS areas (represented in 204 to 206). To make each ideation segment time sustainable  one needs to deepen the sustenance characteristics of a segment to make it Efficient  Adaptable  Agile and Anticipative (EA3). These can be visualized as fruits  leaves  flowers and seeds of each P  T  M and S area coverage (branches)  being branched out of each of N  I and U category funnel (N-PTMS-EA3  I-PTMS-EA3  U-PTMS-EA3). Thus  in all  there are 48 such elements in which a plurality of ideation segments can be mapped and visualized  for the sake of clarity; these elements/segments have been represented as ‘fruits  leaves  flowers and seeds’ of the Ideation Tree. This has been represented in Figure 2A and Figure 2B. The best scenario can be described as one where all 48 elements of the tree have been realized through the Collaborative invention mining process  however  in a practical scenario  the validated facets of the ideation segments are only being envisaged in a realized ideation tree. Moreover  the pattern of the realized IDT may reveal the ideation object’ dominant field and claims clusters. A balanced  sparsely distributed  over-crowded or nearly full distribution of IDT fruits  leaves  flowers and seeds may further prompt segregation  deliberation  separation  bucketing of ideation segments into a singular or plurality of ideation objects.
Further  one of the embodiments of the present subject matter is to identify succinct  unique claimable elements  which can be mapped to ideation segments of ideation object. For such throughput  the Ideation Tree may be simplified into a structure as illustrated in Figure 3. The elements thus identified  may effectively be translated into claims using the right expression. This structure is indicative of the elements that can be derived from the IDT. At this juncture  it is imperative to point out that any person skilled in the art can appreciate and acknowledge that said dimensions and attributes defined  and the interrelation between these can be ably represented by any other structure or similar matrix.
Collaboration workflow of Invention Mining process is based on defining a maturity hierarchy that drives the workflow along which ideation objects are systematically and objectively strengthened in a focused manner by identifying resources  defining role play  associating task-based deliverables and validation mechanisms at each of these maturity stages. The maturity stages defined herein are Storm-Form-Norm-Compose (SFNC) in an increasing order of hierarchy. An ideation object that progresses along these stages has the potential to converge resiliently as claimable subject matter with wider  broader (lengthening) and deeper scope. Figure 4A broadly represents the CIM SFNC stages  activities defined therein  and corresponding role players to develop an idea in a structured  objective manner. More details regarding the iterative activities and roles are explained in subsequent paragraphs.
The crux of the CIM framework is incorporated in a comprehensive matrix-format termed as Idea Detailing Tree (IDT). Refer to Figure 4B. IDT is an efficient tool which enables the inventors’ community and other stakeholders to elaborate the idea on a fast track mode and expand it around said dimensions of Category  Area and Characteristics. Refer to Figure 4B for an indicative representation of the matrix. The IDT thus is a matrix comprising 48 cells that are mapped to the three NIU categories  4 PTMS areas and the 4 EA3 characteristics. As the process of detailing an idea can be complex  because of plurality of dimensions and related attributes  the growth maturity of the idea may become difficult to visualize intuitively. The Idea Detailing Tree Schematic allows a simplistic visualization of what would otherwise be a complex  convoluted workflow.
An exemplary embodiment of the subject matter described herein is the IDT. The NIU Category dimension defines the N  I and U blocks of the IDT matrix along which first a set of idea elements/segments can be widened towards patentability scoping. Each of the claim segments in N  I and U categories are further deliberated to lengthen the area coverage along Process  Technology  Measurement or System (PTMS) capabilities  which produces 12 cells (3x4) in the matrix (facilitating widening and lengthening scopes of the claim segments). Further  each of the claim elements in P T  M and S area capabilities for each of N  I and U categories are scoped for deepening along Efficient  Adaptable  Agile and Anticipative (EA3) time sustenance characteristics  which produces 48 cells (12x4 = 3x4x4) of the IDT matrix.
The IDT framework is driven by a collaborative process that is supported and complemented by a Collaborative Invention Mining System (Figure 5 and Figure 6). As depicted  an idea is first widened  then lengthened and further deepened across a multitude of attributes that have been contextually defined. In addition  to the 48-cell matrix  the IDT also has a provision that links each of these steps of Widening Lengthening  and Deepening with a collaborative process based approach that has been contextually defined as Storm  Form  Norm and Compose (SFNC) maturity stages. Each of these said stages play a role in maturing an idea and is facilitated by predefined tasks and iterative validations that lead an ideation object progressively from Storm  Form  Norm and Compose hierarchy of incremental maturity stages. The terminology Storm  Form and Norm are context based and are limited to the subject matter described herein  that of Invention Mining. These are not to be construed as general terminology.
The detailing of the features of IDT matrix/template comprising collaborative workflow throughput are described herein. As an ideation object enters the Invention Mining Process  ideation segments/elements are lodged at the ‘Parking Lot’ zone. During the Storming stage of widening the scope of the idea  these elements are built along N  I and U categories and are brought into the Storm Pad zone. At the same time  there may be a possibility of some ideation segments/elements that may remain in the parking lot zone. Each of these elements in the Storm Pad are successively lengthened along P  T  M and S areas and then raised to the Form Pad.
The IDT matrix or Norm stage matrix is then populated with these structured ideation elements during the Norm phase with the focus on further deepening the time sustenance characteristics of each of these elements which are then converged during the Compose phase  to map them to the Claim Tree diagram. Thus  the IDT framework is a base to start the Collaborative Invention Mining process.
An initial basic input is a free flow list of broad aspects pertaining to the ideation object. The process of Invention Mining imparts the desired impetus or lift to widen  lengthen and deepen its scope via collaboratively deliberating through SFNC maturity stages. Refer to Table 1 for a context based definition of said SFNC stages.
Table 1: Definition of SFNC
Maturity Stages Context based Definition
Storm Phase Adopt to ‘widen’ the ideation objects across NIU Category Dimension
Form Phase Adopt to ‘lengthen’ the ideation objects across PTMS Area Coverage
Norm Phase Adopt to ‘deepen’ the ideation objects across EA3 Time sustenance Characteristic
Compose Phase Adopt to converge on patentable objects

In order to widen  lengthen and deepen an ideation object in a focused manner  each of these said maturity levels comprise an ETVX (Entry-Task-Validate-Exit) Sequence which in conjunction with appropriate resources  tasks and roles mature an idea. Before understanding the ETVX sequence for each maturity stage  it is important to define ETVX. Broadly it stands for Entry  Task  Validation and Exit.
Entry is the first stage of the ETVX sequence  where idea/idea elements enter the respective maturity stage with previous stage’s delivery.
Task attribute strengthens ideation segments based on the assigned task of the corresponding maturity stage. Throughout the collaboration workflow  the task attribute is designed to perform Questioning  Deliberating  Segmenting and Converging across Storm  Form  Norm and Compose maturity stage  respectively.
Validate step validates in an iterative loop  the patentability criteria of each of the idea elements after performing the task of the respective maturity stage. After a task is complete  validation ensures completeness with respect to meeting objectives at the task at a set stage. Validation and completing a task until all criteria are met may have a plurality of iterations.
Exit is the last step of the sequence  which commits delivery of the current state.
Role Play is an important collaborative link in the entire workflow and maturity stages. Roles have been anticipatively created with a focus on performing tasks at each stage resiliently and efficiently  ensuring optimal outcome. The role hierarchy is also inherently linked to the resource framework  therefore is designed to adapt changes in the resource infrastructure. A ‘Moderator’ governs the collaborative Invention Mining process and plays a lead role throughout the workflow (including governance at each maturity stage). Refer to Figure 4A for details.
To enhance collaboration and make it more effective  roles have been tagged to the critical actions or tasks that will be performed at each maturity level. Thus  in order to question  deliberate  and segment  roles tagged are described below. The word ‘Hat’ has been used to indicate a process of parallel thinking and task-based thinking (e.g. N-Hat  I-Hat and U-Hat to represent role-plays for parallel thinking towards widening the ideation segments along Novelty  Inventive Step and Utility Patentability Criteria  respectively) and efficient collaboration throughput by converging various parallel thought processes to a holistic outcome.
Thus  for the Storm Phase  the task-based role players are: N-Hat  I-Hat and U-Hat. Similarly  for Form Phase  the task-based role players are: P-Hat  T-Hat  M-Hat and S-Hat  and for Norm Phase  the task-based role players are: Eff-Hat  Add-Hat  Agl-Hat and Ant-Hat. Note  that this is a broad terminology to define participants in the process.
Importantly  as discussed earlier  a Moderator governs the collaborative process. It is the Moderator’s role to decide the number of people  their capabilities  to ensure effective participation and fitment for the aforementioned Hat-roles.
Specialist roles are defined in order to perform validation  which is then mapped to maturity stages. For instance  across all stages there is a Prior Art Analyst who validates claimable ideation segments against patent and non-patent literature iteratively across the collaboration workflow  verifying the widening  lengthening and deepening scopes of the idea elements  respectively. Another role is that of a ‘Scripter’ who is responsible for providing input for summarizing a multi-thread discussion for every atomic idea in a cryptic and understandable form. Yet another specialist role is that of a Claim Analyst to verify and validate claims identified in the process and then represent them in a claim tree. In addition  when an idea is matured such that it can be transcribed into a Technical Note followed by an Invention Disclosure Form  a Technical Writer role articulates the idea.
A broad view of the collaboration stages described above can be appreciated better in conjunction with a Collaborative Invention Mining System. Said system administers  governs  monitors and measures the collaboration framework. The system is described in detail in order to understand the synergistic features of the present subject matter. Figure 5 provides a broad view of the components  whereas Figure 6 drills into the granular level details of the components.
The Collaborative Invention Mining System (500) is built around a collaboration driven workflow model. One embodiment of the subject matter is realized as a product being used in a computing environment. The software programs for such a product may comprise routines and subroutines/source codes written in a computer language to perform invention(s) valuation  scoring and rationalization  described as an embodiment of the present subject matter. Such a product can be contained in a variety of computer-readable or computer-rewritable media  wherein such media may include  but are not restricted to CD-ROM  DVD-ROM  floppy disks  hard disk drive  diskette drive  or other form of storage media  on which alterable/upgradable information can be stored.
The Collaborative Invention Mining System (500) rests on a collaboration framework (501). Said framework is supported by Content and Document Management System (510) and Data and File Management System (509). Said systems maybe enterprise resources or external resources that can be accessed by the enterprises and is referenced at various stages of the collaboration workflow  as will be evident in the subsequent paras.
Input interface (502) is where the system receives an input from the stakeholders when they perform their key tasks across all stages of collaboration. Input is received from standard input devices and user devices known in the art.
An Idea Management (514) module manages  tracks and administers ideas that are input to the system. Said module in turn comprises a Scheduler (611) to determine a Moderator  Scripter  Prior Art Analyst  Claims Analyst and Technical Writer for an idea that enters the system. Scheduling is done by selecting from among a pool of experts in an enterprise. Selection is done based on subject matter expertise and availability. Needless to say  for all roles  except that of a Prior Art Analyst it is mandatory for the resource to be from the inventor community. This criterion is also validated by connecting to other Enterprise Management Systems through an IP Management Interface Module (613) such as IP Management and Filing system to select from a list of inventors. Further  the module also takes into account  relevant details such as name of inventor  location  business unit details etc so as to reflect in reports.
In addition  the Idea Management System (514) also comprises an Idea Tracking (610) sub module  which generates a unique idea number to an ideation object that has been logged into the system. Idea Tracking sub module tracks progress of an ideation object across stages of maturity along with a Workflow Management System (508). Idea Management module (514) manages and tracks an ideation object. Roles defined for various SFNC stages are assigned certain access privileges. Roles and privileges are mapped by a system administrator for the CIM system. There may also be scenarios where roles converge  for example  a Moderator and a Scripter could essay the same role for an idea  and hence their access privileges could converge. The mapped role-privilege is stored in Idea Tracking sub module (610) and is modified as and when users register into the system to submit an ideation object. System Administrators perform an audit and maintain logs by tracking user registration  authentication and idea submission.
Idea tracking (610) tracks an ideation object as it moves from various stages. Movement from one stage to the other or completing of a task at a particular stage  validation that needs to be performed is alerted by an Alert Publisher sub module (612) of Idea Management module (514). Alert Publisher (612)  shares alerts when ever any task is complete  needs to be completed or when a related asset  such as Search Report  Gap Analysis Report pertaining to the idea is released. Alerts may be generated via email to inform stake holders participating in the collaborative process.
Further  the module also tracks and maintains assets that are an entry or exit criteria of the SFNC stages. As soon as an ideation object is input to the CIM system  an idea is accorded a unique tracking number. Stakeholders and role players who are instrumental in working on the idea are only provided access to that idea. For example  if a moderator is assigned Ideation object 1  that moderator cannot play a similar role for Ideation object 2 unless there is an assignment by the scheduler and appropriate access rights are granted. As the ideation object progresses across these stages  output of each stage  such as  A Prior Art search report  search artifacts  Storm Pad Zone  Form Pad zone  IDT matrix for Norm  Claim statements  Claim Tree  Score card and related metric and other such inter-related objects to the ideation object are also tracked and stored in databases  such that they can be easily referenced during the collaboration process.
Workflow Management (508) and Idea Management (514) are logically and communicatively coupled. Workflow Management (508) controls progress of an ideation object’s stages  that is  an ideation object can move to the next stage only if its inputs and tasks have been validated and approved by the respective stakeholders. For instance  an ideation object cannot move from Storm to Norm without valid submission of Form pad that has been tagged to an idea  or mapping of prior art elements with ideation objects.
To begin the process  inventor community enters details through an Input Interface (502)  into the Idea Detailing Tree (504). The IDT template (504) comprises an Idea Detailing Matrix along with the zones – Parking Lot  Storm Pad  Form Pad and the Norm matrix where stakeholders log in their input. Said portions of the IDT (504) are made visible according to the stage of the workflow. This is controlled by Workflow Management (508) which indicates at what stage the ideation object is within SFNC. In an embodiment  in the Storm stage  that is  the first stage of maturing an idea  the ideation object will be widened along Novelty  Inventive Step and Utility (NIU) Patentability Categories. Thus at this stage  only the Parking Lot and the Storm Pad is made visible to the inventor community. The Storm stage (614) is active in the Workflow Management (508). Parking Lot is where the idea originator or inventor can log features of the idea. The Storm pad comprises drop down list where  the category that needs to be widened is selected. There is a drop down list provided for Novelty  Inventive Step and Utility  after selecting a category  a plurality of features of the ideation object related to either NIU category can be logged. Refer to Table 2 to understand ETVX for Storm stage.
Table 2: Storm Stage Definition
CIM Stage Storm
Purpose Questioning to widen the ideation objects across category
Entry Condition Ideation Objects - Base List  Prior Arts - Base List
Task to Perform Question to generate new concept level ideation
Question to identify new inventive steps
Question to apply the concept and inventive steps
Validation Map the revised set of ideation objects with collected prior arts
Search for more prior arts and map it to revised set of ideation objects
Exit Publish Ideation Objects - Storm List and Prior Arts - Storm List
Role Play Moderator  Scripter  Prior Arts Analyst  N-Hat  I-Hat  U-Hat

Since each ideation segment is questioned on the very basic criteria of patentability – Novelty  Inventive Step and Utility  it is imperative to perform a prior art search to establish a validity of the ideation segment. A Prior Art Analyst performs a preliminary prior art search. In order to perform an accurate yet effective search  a Search and Analytics (505) module has been developed. This module comprises a Landscaping (607)  Gap Analysis (608) and a Search Index (609) sub module.
Search Index (609) comprises a set of attributes that can be used to search within patent databases and non-patent literature. Said index comprises a compiled list of keywords  IPC code  US classification  DWPI  a combination of details such as assignee names  date of filing  publication details  date of publication  geographies filed or published and other such details or a combination thereof to facilitate an effective search. The attributes or a combination of attributes used to search for related prior art are tagged with an identification related to an ideation object that is input to the system. These attributes are collectively stored for any potential reuse. Landscaping (607) performs a search based on the input attributes by accessing patent and non-patent literature through the IP Management Interface Module (613) in order to identify similar concepts. Further  said sub module also highlights where the ideation object is in relation to other patents and non-patent literature. Search artifacts generated are communicated to Gap Analysis (608)  where gaps with respect to search artifacts are identified. For instance  if the current ideation object illustrates a method  and if there is scope to bring out a system or a technology aspect to the ideation object  with reference to Prior Art  the Gap Analysis sub module (608) flags that by generating a Gap Analysis report  which is then shared with the Moderator and inventor community to deliberate on.
The IP Management Interface Module (613) connects to disparate systems that may exist within or outside an enterprise. Search and Analytics (505) may also access enterprise systems such as IP Management and Filing system to identify if similar ideation objects have been filed. The result of the Search and Analytics (505) module is a search report containing search artifacts identified during the search operation.
The generated search report is shared by the Prior Art Analyst  who also visually differentiates similar concepts entered in the Storm Pad. The Moderator  Scripter and idea generators receive an alert when the search report is generated. Alerts are generated by an Alert Publisher sub module (612) residing in the Idea Management (514) of the system. Alerts are a means of triggering the next sequence of events. The generated Search Report is accorded an asset ID by the Idea Tracking (610) sub module. The generated search report is stored in a data repository - Data Store and Archive (511)  which may be accessed by stakeholders who have necessary privilege and access.
Thus  the task at hand with the inventor community is to provide differentiating features of the ideation object with respect to Novelty  Inventive Step and Utility and question such that new concepts  inventive steps and means to implement the concept and the inventive step emerge in relation to said ideation object.
Moderator  Scripter and the inventor community map the differentiating features  also termed as a revised set of ideation objects with the preliminary prior art report. Since  new ideation segments have emerged after focused questioning  it is but obvious to search for prior art that is related to the revised ideation objects. The search is again carried out by Search and Analytics (505). Thus  the exit criteria for Storm stage is a published set of ideation segments that are input to the Storm Pad of the Idea Detailing Matrix  a list of prior art objects that will be referenced on demand.
Validation at the storm stage comprises thoroughly reviewing the Prior Art. The Prior Art Analyst  highlights features of the prior art that may conflict with features of the ideation segments listed in the Base List as per the Preliminary Report. The Prior Art Search Analyst  logs in comments through the IDT Validation sub module of IDT. As soon as search report is generated  Alert Publisher generates an alert message. Moderator  Scripter and Inventor Community question the idea concepts after correlating to preliminary prior art. At this stage  some elements from the Base List may be struck down due to lack of Novelty Inventive and Utility. Preliminary Prior Art Report serves as a learning and motivation for inventors to widen scope of the idea when certain elements are knocked out. It also provides a dimension on different approaches to solve a problem. Whereas  ideation segments that are retained  are further widened and yet another prior art search is conducted to verify if said segments are novel  possess inventive step and utility.
Resources to support the tasks in order to validate and progress to the next stage could be either one of or a combination of an enterprise’s knowledge repository  gaining access to centers of excellence  subject matter expert communities within an enterprise  access to patent search databases or non-patent literature sources.
The end of the Storm stage is triggered by revised ideation segments fixed in the Storm Pad. A search report containing details of prior art information as per segments disclosed in Parking Lot zone by the stakeholders. Yet another search report based on revised segments. Since ideation segments in the Storm Pad may have been revised  it may be worthwhile to note that some points may have been deleted due to existing prior art or modified after questioning and deliberation. Once output (Storm pad revised  Search reports) have been validated  Workflow Management (508) moves to the next stage  that is  Form.
Next stage of collaboration is the ‘Form’ stage  where ideation segments of an ideation object (after being widened along N  I  U categories through the Storm phase) are deliberated further towards lengthening the scope of each one of them along coverage area of Process  Technology  Measurement and System (PTMS) capabilities. The key role players are Moderator  Scripter  Prior Arts Analyst  and P-Hat  T-Hat  M-Hat  S-Hat and the deliverables are the ‘Form Phase Base list’ having claim elements which are lengthened along PTMS after being widened across NIU  while being validated iteratively with respect to the existing prior arts. Refer to Table 3 to understand ETVX defined for Form Stage.
Table 3: Form Stage
CIM Stage Form
Purpose Deliberating to lengthen the ideation objects across coverage area
Entry Condition Ideation Objects - Storm List  Prior Arts - Storm List
Task to Perform Deliberation on each ideation object to identify ""process"" originality
Deliberation on each ideation object to identify ""technology"" originality
Deliberation on each ideation object to identify ""measurement"" originality
Deliberation on each ideation object to identify ""system"" originality
Validation Map the revised set of ideation objects with collected prior arts
Search for more prior arts and map it to revised set of ideation objects
Exit Publish Ideation Objects - Form List and Prior Arts - Form List
Role Play Moderator  Scripter  Prior Arts Analyst  P-Hat  T-Hat  M-Hat  S-Hat

In the Form Stage  the Storm pad of the IDT Matrix is used as base input  along with the further prior art identified by the Prior Art Analyst. The ideation segments listed in the Storm Pad are deliberated on to identify uniqueness or originality in Process  Technology  Measurement or System perspective. Stakeholders who participate in the deliberation process provide focused comments that address PTMS perspective in the IDT (504) to lengthen the idea. At this stage  the Form pad of the IDT is made accessible to the stakeholders by Workflow Management (508). In the Form Pad zone  the Scripter identifies PTMS elements from among the ideation segments listed in the Storm pad. There could be multiple mapping for ideation objects disclosed. As soon as the mapping in the Form pad is completed and saved  an alert is generated by Alert Generation (611) to the Prior Art Analyst to perform a search for the said PTMS segments identified. At this stage  the Workflow Management (508) is at the Form Stage (615).
The revised set of ideation segments are mapped with yet another tagged asset – a prior art search report that is later stored in Data Store and Archive (511). As soon as a Prior Art report is received  an IDT Validation (602) operation takes place. The IDT Validation sub module (602) flags conflicting parts of the ideation segments Vis-a-Vis the search report and an alert is generated to the stakeholders. The stakeholders share a revised set of ideation segments in the Form pad zone. IDT Validation (602) is where ideation segments related to PTMS are iteratively validated and revised. The list thus generated after circumventing prior art is tagged  published and stored in a data repository (511). The published list  tagged to the idea is visible to all stakeholders.
A final set of ideation objects for which PTMS areas have been identified are listed in the Form Pad of the Idea Detailing Matrix and published as a Form List. Also  prior art search identified by the Prior Art Analyst for the PTMS areas are tagged to the Form pad zone. Resources used for lengthening an ideation object could be patent search databases  non-patent literature  Information and resource centers exist within an enterprise  deliberation with subject matter experts and knowledge repositories that are accessible within an enterprise. After an enriched idea is given a shape from the PTMS perspective in the Form Pad  the next stage  which is the Norm Stage  is triggered. At this stage  the Work Flow Management (508)  indicates Norm Stage (616).
Said stage has been defined as the maturity stage to segment the widened and lengthened claim elements towards deepening the time sustenance capabilities along Efficient  Adaptable  Agile and Anticipative (EA3) characteristics. The key role players are Moderator  Scripter  Prior Arts Analyst  and inventor community who analyze ideation objects from EA3 perspective and deliver focused statements in the IDT area as claimable features. Deliverables are claim segments being incorporated in the IDT matrix after being validated iteratively with respect to the existing prior arts. Refer to Table 4 for the ETVX steps defined for the said phase.
Table 4: Norm Stage Definition
CIM Stage Norm
Purpose Segmenting to deepen the ideation objects across characteristics
Entry Condition Ideation Objects - Form List  Prior Arts - Form List
Task to Perform Segmenting each ideation object to identify ""Efficiency"" characteristic
Segmenting each ideation object to identify ""Adaptable"" characteristic
Segmenting each ideation object to identify ""Agile"" characteristic
Segmenting each ideation object to identify ""Anticipative"" characteristic
Validation Map the revised set of ideation objects with collected prior arts
Exit Publish Ideation Objects - Norm List and Prior Arts - Norm List
Role Play Moderator  Scripter  Prior Arts Analyst  Eff-Hat  Add-Hat  Agl-Hat  Ant-Hat

From the Form pad  each PTMS aspect of the ideation segment is analyzed to determine a multitude of EA3 characteristics. There is a possibility of fitting an ideation segment in more than one characteristic owing to the inherent nature of the same. Again  the Prior Art Analyst performs a search to determine if any of the EA3 characteristics so identified are disclosed in any prior art document. The IDT Validation sub module (602) flags conflicting areas which is reported by the Prior Art analyst to the inventor community.
A further set of ideation segment are reported in the IDT by the Scripter and the inventor community. Output at this stage is well defined EA3 characteristics for ideation segments that map to PTMS areas and NIU categories in the IDT matrix. A comprehensive detailing of the IDT is complete at the stage. The detailed IDT after a review is then tagged with an asset ID and associated with an ideation object in the Idea Tracking sub module (610) of the Idea Management module (514) of the CIM system before progressing to the Compose stage.
The next and final stage of collaboration is the Compose stage  where cluster  pattern analysis and claim analysis is performed for said ideation object. The ‘Compose’ Phase is a final maturity stage where various ideation segments are converged logically for an objective review to decompose the elements identified as claims. Further refinement in this stage  comprises claim construction which is performed by a Claims Analyst. A Claim Construction module (506) receives the IDT matrix containing revised ideation segments  saved and submitted by the inventor community. Said module is accessed by a Claims Analyst  who reviews the statements and converts them to claim-like statements which are later incorporated into a patent draft. The Claims Analyst performs a review of statements and also compares them to claims that have been disclosed in patent documents identified during the prior art searches. This due diligence is a necessary and pre-emptive step which can be likened to a FTO like exercise. Claims thus modified are highlighted in the Claim Mapping and Validation sub module (603) and the Scripter  Moderator and inventor community are sent alert messages. The claim statements may be reviewed iteratively  facilitated by the CIM system before finalizing the IDT matrix.
At this stage  the Claims Analyst also prepares a Claim Tree or an Arboreal Representation which is a graphical representation of claims that have been finalized for a set of ideation objects associated with a said idea. Said claim tree is stored in the Claim Mapping and Validation sub module (602). This will be referenced by the Display and Visualization Module (503) to render an output at a later stage.
The key role players for the Compose phase are Moderator  Claims Analyst  Scripter  and Technical Writer. Deliverables are the Technical Note and the Claims Tree. Refer to Table 5 for ETVX definition.
Table 5: Compose Stage Definition
CIM Phase Compose
Purpose Converging the ideation objects from Norm-List
Entry Condition Ideation Objects - Norm List  Prior Arts - Norm List
Task to Perform Identify the category pattern
Identify the area pattern
Identify characteristic pattern
Review and edit the ideation object statement
Convert the ideation objects into claims tree -
Independent claims and associated dependent list
Profile the ""Claims Tree"" and Identify the ""Invention Cardinality""
Split ""Claims Tree"" based on ""Invention Cardinality""
Prepare ""Technical Note""
Submit request for patent drafting
Validation Audit ""Claims Tree""
Exit Publish Technical Note  Claims Tree
Role Play Moderator  Scripter  Technical Writer  Claims Analyst

Pattern analysis is an important determination that is recorded at this stage. The IDT matrix is thoroughly examined to identify category  areas and characteristic patterns for said ideation object. A statement that describes the ideation object is articulated as a patent claim by the Claims Analyst. The number of independent and dependant claims is determined for the ideation object. The number of claims will determine invention cardinality. The claims  once finalized are transcribed into a visual format  termed as a Claim Tree. Said tree represents the independent and dependant claims identified for each area  category and characteristic dimension.
Said Claim Tree is another preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. It provides a guideline to classify  structure and represent claims for a said ideation object. The Claim Tree is thus an intuitive  real-time visual representation of the number of claim elements  and their characteristics. Construction of claim tree is derived from Norm matrix of the IDT and the Claim Construction module. Claims Analyst  after reviewing claims  constructs a Claim Tree. Claim Tree comprises components to visualize claimable elements – A first portion is visualized from an Idea Detailing Tree  a second portion indicating cardinality of claimable elements in an indexed format derived from IDT  a third portion indicating path of all 48 claimable elements derived from an IDT  a fourth portion that maps claimable elements to claim types.
Based on the claims that are composed  a claim tree is used to determine cardinality of the claimable elements from the IDT. This factor in turn helps determine Invention Cardinality (IC). Said term can be defined in the present context as the number of independent claims an ideation object possesses. For IC > 2  Inventor Community has to review whether to split an ideation object based on density of the dependent claims  alignment of the split invention-parts (concept level split vs. Process level split vs. System level split  etc.).
In a first representation  the IDT is visualized. The IDT comprises 48 cells that define an ideation object across Category  Area and Characteristic dimensions. With reference to Figure 9A  an ideation object (main node) comprises  3 child nodes (primary node)  i.e. the category dimensions (NIU attributes)  which in turn comprises  4 child nodes (secondary node)  i.e. the area dimension (PTMS attributes)  which further comprises 4 child nodes (tertiary node)  i.e. characteristic dimension (EA3 attributes). As one traverses the tree  terminal nodes are represented by EA3 characteristics.
In a second portion  claimable elements of an ideation object when traversed from the root are visually represented in the 48-cell Bar Map (Figure 9A). Cardinality is determined for a set of claimable elements fixed within the IDT. An instance of a plurality of claimable elements is represented by a plurality of tags  and for a path where there is no element is represented by another tag for differentiation. Said visual indication representing cardinality of claimable elements is termed as Claim Cardinality Index. Plurality of claimable elements is represented by a plurality of tags. For example  3 claimable elements are represented by (???) and absence of claimable element is indicated by (x).
A third portion is a further representation of the Claim Tree  which comprises tracing the path along which the ideation segments related to an ideation object have traversed  from root to primary node to secondary node to tertiary node (NIU-PTMS-EA3). For instance  N-P-Eff refers to a claim element that has been identified as novel  being process oriented and having efficient characteristics. This is derived from the IDT as a 48-cell Bar Map indicating path of each of the dimension and attributes that can be associated with a claimable element. Said Bar Map traces path of a claimable element to cardinality indicated in the second portion. If there is no claimable element for a path that can be traced from the root  a visual indicator is used to null elements (F) signify a blank. For instance  there is no claimable element in the 48-cell matrix for path N-M-Add  hence it is represented as (N-M-Add- F). Similarly  (I-P-Agl-1) refers to one claimable element that has Inventive Step in Process having Agile characteristics.
A blank in the 48-cell Bar Map represents absence of claimable element. Thus  one can easily identify the number of cells out of 48 that have been filled with at least one claimable element and also derive cluster and pattern with respect to the dimension and related attributes.
A further object of the Claim Tree is mapping the claimable elements to types of claims articulated in a patent document (independent  dependent  dependent dependant  etc). Figure 9B  refers to the type of claims (independent  dependent  dependent dependant  etc) that have been derived for an ideation object. This object further comprises 3 elements – a 48-cell Bar Map indicating type of claimable elements for each cell  and a corresponding map to a claim number articulated by Claims Analyst. This is followed by a tree diagram indicative of structural representation of claims thus constructed.
Independent claims can be represented by alphabets  for instance X  Y  Z or any suitable symbol depending on the number of claims. If an independent claim  X comprises 3 elements or steps these can be represented as X.0.1  X.0.2 and X.0.3. A dependant claim having basis in independent claim X can be represented as X.1 (dependent claim 1  or X.2  dependent claim 2). Similarly  a single dependent-dependent claim can be represented as X.1.1. Such taxonomy is intuitive and results in ease-of-mapping.
Claimable elements identified are thus taxonomically distributed within the defined structure with appropriate tags. When a Claims Analyst  articulates a set of claims to be included in a subsequent patent draft  such a tagging and structuring helps define claims. A first independent claim comprising of elements that will be listed in further dependant claims will be tagged as 1  a dependent claim will be (1.1  1.2  …)  dependent-dependent claim will be (1.1 1  1.2.1  …). This is mapped to the 48-cell Bar Map that results in a view mapping the X  Y  Z defined earlier to the new claim constructs.
Further  a tree diagram is constructed  wherein  the root node is represented by name of the ideation object  from where independent claims branch out as primary node. An ideation object must have at least one claim. From  the primary node  there are secondary nodes to represent dependant claims; further dependant claims may give rise to additional dependant claims (a tertiary node). At this juncture it is important to note that claimable elements identified in the IDT may be translated into independent/dependant claims based on the nature of the ideation object. Also  there could be a number of statements that could be part of an independent claim. Thus  if an IDT contains N elements  an associated Claim Tree could be compressed into N-X claims.
Thus  a Claims Tree is a comprehensive view of an IDT  Claim Cardinality Index derived from the IDT  path of claimable elements when traversed from root node  and type of claims. A Claims Analyst defines Claims Tree for an ideation object by ensuring that all features  characteristics have been captured. Independent claim elements are analyzed to determine cardinality and subsequent splitting of an ideation object to maintain ‘unity of ideation object’  i.e. one core concept per ideation object. Claims statements are edited in Claim Mapping and Validation module (603)  which is then input to Display and Visualization (503).

After the ideation object is articulated in terms of a completed IDT Matrix and a Claim Tree  the next step is to evaluate  that is  objectively assess the ideation object and determine the inherent character of said object. Attaching a numerical score to an ideation object helps in future valuation of the ideation object and in building an invention portfolio. An ideation object that follows process of collaborative invention mining is accorded a score; thus if there is a need to create a portfolio  a score determine a place in a portfolio. Similarly  a higher score indicates that an ideation object has matured enough to be of value to an organization  through IP Management Interface (613)  an ideation object can be evaluated by a Valuation System to determine monetary value.
Metrics Generation Module (507) of the CIM system evaluates and scores ideation objects. Said module comprises sub modules: Scoring and Validation (604)  Score Pattern Analysis (605) and Reporting and Views (606). Scoring and Validation sub module (604) scores an ideation object based on a weighted assessment. That is  each dimension – Category  Area and Characteristics are assigned weights. Plurality of attributes attached to each said dimension is also assigned a weight factor. This weight factor for the dimensions can be termed Dj.
In the present embodiment  the weight factor Dj has been assigned a total weight of 10  and the category attributes NIU  in turn have been assigned weights in the ratio of 4:3:3. The reason for assigning such a weight distribution leans towards a statistical inference. It has been observed that the broadest independent claims acquire ‘broadest protection at the point of Novelty’ than the Inventive Step and Utility. Hence  ‘Novelty’(N) can be considered as the most significant ‘Patentability criterion’ an idea must possess  therefore a higher weight factor is assigned for Novelty (N) over Inventive Step (I) and Utility (U). It must be acknowledged and appreciated by a person skilled in the art that weight factor and ratio assigned is variable  depending on which of the patentability criteria or any other dimension and related attributes may be considered important.
Moving towards the weight distribution for the area dimension  weight of (PTMS) × (EA3) has been fixed to be 100 for each of N  I  and U block of the IDT matrix  i.e.  the Area attributes for each category dimension and characteristic attributes for each area dimension has further weight distribution in such a manner that the total base weight (without multiplication by the weight factor Dj) for each category dimension is 100.
Further sampling through claims of various Patents in the Patent Database results in higher probability of attaining a conceptual (Novelty-based) independent claim protecting a process or technology over measurement and system  whereas for inventive step-based Independent claim  inventions are statistically preferable to be system-based over other area attributes. Further  for Utility-based claims  Measurement area coverage acquires statistical edge over Process  Technology or System based claims.
In an embodiment of the present invention  the weight distribution assigned is as follows.
Higher weight for the ‘Anticipative’ characteristic over ‘Agile’  ‘Efficient’ and ‘Adaptable’ sustenance characteristics and higher weight for the ‘Process’ and ‘Technology’ Area attributes over ‘Measurement’ and ‘System’ Area attributes for Novelty category. Thus  for N Category 
(PTMS × EA3) Weight = 10×10 = (3:3:2:2 × 2:2:2:4)
Higher weight is assigned for the ‘Anticipative’ characteristic over ‘Agile’  ‘Efficient’ and ‘Adaptable’ characteristic and higher weight on the ‘System’ over ‘Process’  ‘Technology’ and ‘Measurement’ Area attributes for Inventive Step category. Thus  for I Category 
(PTMS × EA3) Weight = 5×20 = (1:1:1:2 × 4:4:4:8)
Higher weight is assigned on the ‘Efficient’ characteristic over ‘Adaptable’  ‘Agile’ and ‘Anticipative’ characteristic and higher weight on the ‘Measurement’ over ‘Process’  ‘Technology’ and ‘System’ Area attributes for Utility category. Thus  for U Category 
(PTMS × EA3) Weight = 20×5 = (4:4:8:4 × 2:1:1:1)
A scoring method employed in the present embodiment of the invention being described herein is described in the subsequent paras.
An empty cell implies absence of claimable element for an ideation object for the corresponding category-area-characteristic attribute. Thus a value 0 is assigned. Every empty cell in IDT has a value ""zero"". Now  for every contributing cell  there are two scenarios – Having one claimable element or more than one claimable element. For scenarios where there is more than claimable element in a cell  the law of diminishing returns has been applied. This can be contextually stated as in a productive process such as Collaborative Invention Mining  adding more than one claimable element in the same cell of IDT keeping other cells’ yield unaltered  will produce lower yield gradually for the contents of that cell.
Thus  for every contributing cell  score is defined as:
S=?_(i=1)^r¦?V*(1/a)?^(i-1)
where V = Cartesian product value  r = number of claim elements in the contributing (single) cell and ? is the diminishing factor (we have further assumed ? = 2). Further  considering a symmetric weight distribution across Novelty  Inventive Step and utility block  we obtain the aggregate score for an IDT as 4×100 + 3×100 + 3×100 = 1000. A scorecard and evaluation template (700) that drives the Scoring and Validation (604) sub module of the CIM system is represented in Figure 7. A person skilled in the art will acknowledge that diminishing factor  weight factor and weight distribution assigned across dimensions and related attributes for an ideation object is variable and can be changed to suit the need as may be.
Further to determining a score  the ideation object is analyzed to determine its dominant characteristics  which will then be used for positioning the invention. Score Pattern Analysis (705) module counts the claim elements and associated score for each cell in each category  area and characteristics dimension and appropriately assigns visual indicators. This feature is important as it serves as a guideline to expand a patent into a portfolio of patents and determine nature of the idea. An idea can be said to be dominant in terms of Novelty  Inventive Step  Utility  Process or Technology or a combination thereof.
Further  the pattern analysis of filled up cells of IDT matrix may project following dominance characteristics and their associated ideation object or invention positioning. These are indicated through Meta metrics published in the scorecard. Refer to Table 6 for details on pattern identification and analysis.
Table 6: Dominance Table based on Pattern Analysis
Distribution of Pattern Analysis and Dominance Determination
‘N’ Dominance Idea is Novelty driven  thus has ""concept"" dominance
‘I’ Dominance Idea is Inventive Step driven  thus has ""model and system"" dominance
‘U’ Dominance Idea is Utility driven  thus has ""utility"" dominance
‘P’ Dominance Idea is Process driven  thus has ""process innovation or business method"" dominance
‘T’ Dominance Idea is Technology driven  thus has timely dominance of ""technology led invention""

Reporting and Views sub module (606) generates reports of the metrics generated by the CIM process and system. This comprises  Meta metrics for the IDT  cluster/pattern generation and other associated metrics that track an ideation object can be represented in a variety of formats or downloaded as reports by users. Said reports and views are logically coupled to the Display and Visualization module (503) for visual rendering.
Refer to Figure 8  for an illustration of characteristic cluster and an area cluster that has been derived on the basis of cell score and count of claim elements. The output format presented here is only indicative; a person skilled in the art will acknowledge that there is a plurality of ways for visual/graphical representation of the said metrics.
Further to scoring and pattern determination  there are other metrics generated by the CIM system Score Pattern Analysis (605) to determine performance effectiveness of the collaborative process. For an enterprise  this is an important window to gauge the strength of the ideation funnel or innovation throughput of its units and subunits. The metrics identified are explained in the following paras. However  it is important to note that the metric and measures listed here are only indicative and should not be construed as limiting.
Density Lift will determine the coverage enhancement of the mined ideation object across category  area and characteristic dimension  wherein the ‘Claims Lift’ will determine the ‘protection enhancement’. The last two parameters in the Performance Measure table   viz.  % Mined Idea filed for patent in ""X"" and ‘2X’ time period  as determined by an enterprise to determine the success of the Collaborative Invention Mining Process. The measurement criteria and definitions are presented Table 6 below.
Table 7: List of Performance Metrics
Invention Mining Performance Measure
Cell Density Ratio of ""filled cell"" to ""total cell""
Claims Density Ratio of ""claimed item"" to ""total cell""
Density Lift exit ""cell"" density - entry ""cell"" density
Claims Lift exit ""claims"" density - entry ""claims"" density
% Mined Idea filed as Patent % Mined Idea filed for patent in ""X"" time period (say  X = 2months)
% Mined Idea filed as Patent % of Mined Idea filed for patent in ""2X"" time period

The output of the Compose stage is a Technical Note and a Claims Tree. These two objects will be used at a later stage by an enterprise to file a patent application for said idea. After core characteristics and features of an ideation object have been established  a Technical Writer prepares a Technical Note that embodies patentable features of an invention. Once a Technical Note is logged into the system  the IP Management Interface module (613) may interface with an enterprise’s IP Management or Filing system to commence the patenting process.
Thus  the Collaborative Invention Mining System and method together objectively assess an idea so as to make it patentable. An ideation object is matured stage by stage  through a collaborative framework. Plurality of modules within CIM system interact to facilitate in maturing ideation segments of an ideation object iteratively thereby allowing various stakeholders to contribute to an ideation object. Metrics Generation Module (507) provides an insight into the inherent characteristics of an ideation object  and also generates a scorecard for said ideation object. Objective of the CIM system and method is to produce ideation objects that can be patentable and protected as intellectual property. These ideation segments can also be assessed further by logically connecting to other enterprise systems such as IP Management and Filing System  Valuation System and others to derive benefit from ideas thus generated.
An exemplary embodiment of the system and method for Collaborative Invention Mining is the present invention itself. The present application for System and Method for Collaborative Invention Mining has been matured into a patentable ideation object through the collaboration process  enabled by a state-of-the art system.
The objective of the subject matter is to mature an ideation object into a patentable ideation object with reference to existing prior art and convert it into an intellectual property asset. With this objective  the first step is to enumerate potential patentable aspects of the ideation object. In this case  the broad elements of the ideation object are the Collaborative Invention Mining System  process based approach for collaboratively maturing the idea  and a scoring method to assess an ideation object and performance of invention mining.

The segments of the ideation object were processed further across the stages of Storm  Form  Norm and Compose and matured through questioning  deliberation  segmenting and then converged to make it patentable. In the Storm stage  the Storm pad contains ideation segments that need widening across Novelty  Inventive Step and Utility category. The segments listed are questioned through role play  in order to determine Novelty  Inventive Step and Utility. The segments identified are validated by performing a detailed prior art search in which similar features were searched in patent and non-patent literature sources. Search results were mapped to the broad elements listed in the Storm pad. This focused questioning led to identifying 10 such claimable elements. Refer to Table 8.
Table 8: Storm Pad
Storm Pad:
N1-Design of the CIM method (IDT) (Idea derivation and strengthening through structured questioning and suggestive option)
N2-Dimension and Attribute Identification and Context based Definition
N3-SFNC Collaboration phases and context based Definition
N4-Design of weight and scoring method
N5-Metrics Identification and Definition
I1-Collaboration process at each iteration phase
I2-Context based usage of collaboration tools to optimize collaboration throughput
I3-Mapping of cell level weight and score
I4-Pattern Analysis of cell distribution
U1-A system module supporting the CIM process and integration with IP management system

In the Form stage  the ideation segments were lengthened to determine PTMS elements from among the elements listed in the Storm pad. These segments were again validated by performing a prior art search and mapping the search results to the segments identified in the Form pad (Table 9). At the end of the Form stage  the claimable segments were sorted into PTMS areas  and it is important to note that a statement can fit into more than one category  which is again segmented and elaborated in the Norm stage.
Table 9: Form Pad
Form Pad:
P-Statement: N1  N2  N3  I1  I4
T-Statement: N3  I2  I3
M-Statement: N4  N5  I3
S-Statement: N1  I2  U1

In the Norm Stage  the ideation object is segmented into the EA3 characteristics such that each feature identified can be constructed as a claim in the Norm matrix of the Idea Detailing Tree. Through role play  these features are validated against prior art objects (Refer to Table 10). A total of 29 claimable elements have been determined. The next stage in collaboration is Compose stage.

Table 10: Norm Stage
Cate-gory (NIU) Area
(PTMS) Characteristic (EA3)
Efficient Adaptable Agile Anticipative
Novelty Process 1. Dimension & Attribute Identification
2. Identification of tasks based on iterative phases 1. Context based definition of dimension & attribute
2. Context based definition of iterative phases 1. Differentiating process at each iterative phase 1. Design of the CIM method
2. Design of iterative phases (SFNC) in CIM
3.Design of CIM Model
Technology 1. Context based usage of collaboration tools for throughput optimization 1. Adoption of collaboration technology for fast tracking response in each iterative phase 1. ETVX based collaboration system and role play to manage progress and convergence
Measurement 1. Metrics identification for tracking CIM effectiveness 1.Weight and score design associated with NIU  PTMS and EA3
System 1. System design of CIM

Inventive Step Process 1. Analysis of cell distribution pattern and invention categorization 1.Claim Tree Construction 1.IDT Matrix based claim elements deliberation and mapping
Technology
Measurement 1. Principle for cell density computation
System 1. Interactive system and inventive screen design for SFNC phases

Utility Process 1. Role Play at iterative phase

Technology 1. Enablement of collaboration technology in the system

Measurement 1. Validate  score and evaluate claim elements iteratively 1. Measurement for effectiveness of invention mining throughput
System 1. System to track progress on invention mining throughput
2. IDT schema visualization 1. Integration with invention administration
2. Integration with invention portfolio management
3. Integration with invention valuation system 1. A system to digitize CIM method


In the Compose stage  the claimable elements identified in the Norm stage are analyzed to determine patterns and clusters. Further  based on the number of statements and cluster analysis  the ideation object can profiled to check if contains more than one subject matter. For instance  some of the strengths of the current subject matter are being process-oriented and comprising features that make it efficient (Refer to Table 11).
Table 11: Compose Stage Metrics
Meta Metrics: # of cells populated = 22  # of statements populated = 29  Category cluster(s) = 2 - N U  Area cluster(s) =4 - NP  NT  US  Characteristic cluster (s) =6 - N-Eff  N-Agl  N-Ant  U-Eff  U-Add

In addition  each claimable object is reviewed and a Claim Tree is constructed. The Claim Tree comprises detailed information about the claimable elements identified and fixed in the Norm matrix. Refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B for representation of the Claim Tree. Thus  in Figure 9A  a path for all elements that can be part of IDT is illustrated in a tree format. Number of claimable elements for each cell in the IDT is derived  which account to be 29. Thus a Claim Cardinality Index is determined  which is then broken down further to indicate the path of each claim with respect to the dimensions category  area and characteristics and related attributes. Claims are then structured to identify independent and dependent claims and their related claimable subject matter (Figure 9B). Claimable elements are mapped to actual claim statements that have been listed in the present application; this map is represented as a claim tree.
Claimable elements for the subject matter described herein can be interpreted in the following manner.
Claim Cluster A: System Design of CIM
Independent 1: (System Design of CIM) N-S-Ant
Dependent1: System to track progress on invention mining throughput (U-S-Eff1)
+ IDT schema visualization (U-S-Eff2)
Dependent 2: A system to digitize CIM method (U-S-Ant)
Dependent3: Enablement of collaboration technology in the system (U-T-Eff)
Dependent4: Integration with invention administration + Integration with invention portfolio management + Integration with invention valuation system (U-S-Add-1 U-S-Add-2 U-S-Add3)
Dependent 5: Interactive system and inventive screen design for SFNC phases (I-S-Ant)
Dependent: Claim Tree Construction (I-P-Agl)
Claim Cluster B: Design of the CIM Method: SFNC  ETVX  Role  Collaboration technology
Independent Claim 2: (Design of the CIM Method) N-P-Ant1
Dependent1: Design of iterative phases (SFNC) in CIM (N-P-Ant-2) + Context based definition of Iterative Phases (N-P-Add-2)
Dependent 2: Differentiating process at each iterative phase (questioning/deliberating/segmenting/converging) (N-P-Agl)
Dependent 3: 1. ETVX based collaboration system and role play to manage progress and convergence (N-T-Ant) + 2. Identification of tasks based on iterative phases (N-P-Eff-2)
Dependent4: Role Play at Iterative Phase (U-P-Eff)
Dependent5: Validate  score and evaluate claim elements iteratively (U-M-Eff)
Dependent 6: Adoption of collaboration technology for fast-tracking response in each iterative phase (N-T-Agl)
Dependent 7: Context based usage of collaboration tools for throughput optimization (N-T-Eff)
Dependent 8: Dimension and attribute identification (N-P- Eff) and Context based definition of dimension & attribute (N-P-Add)
Dependent 9: IDT Matrix based claim elements deliberation and mapping (I-P-Ant)

Scoring C: Weight &Score design  pattern  cluster  dominance  performance measurement
Independent 3 : Weight and score design associated with NIU  PTMS and EA3) N- M-Ant
Dependent1: Principle for cell density computation (I-M-Eff)
Dependent2: Analysis of cell distribution pattern and invention categorization (Clustering and dominance) (I-P-Eff)
Dependent 3: Measurement of effectiveness of invention mining throughput (U-M-Agl)
Dependent4: Metrics identification for tracking CIM effectiveness (N-M-Eff)

Further  based on the statements populated  the idea has been scored. The current subject matter has been evaluated to have a score of 653 out of 1000 (Refer to Table 12). In addition to the scorecard  clusters and patterns pertaining to the dimensional attributes have been generated (Refer to Table 12. These clusters can be overlapping clusters (e.g. U-Eff and US)  disjoint clusters (U-eff and N-Ant)  sub-clusters (US and U-Add)  percolative clusters (NP). Category clusters have been identified based on (i) majority of cells filled in Novelty block  Inventive Step block or Utility block  and (ii) determining the correlation amongst (bracketing) the claim segments further if connected. Based on this method  two Category clusters  viz.  Novelty-cluster and Utility-cluster have been identified for the CIM invention. In each of the Category (N  I or U) blocks  Area clusters are further identified based on correlated claim elements across P  T  M and S coverage correlation and Characteristic clusters are identified based on the Eff  Add  Agl and Ant Correlation. Thus  we have identified 3 Area clusters  viz.  NP  NT  US and 5 Characteristic clusters  viz.  N-Eff  N-Agl  N-Ant  U-Eff  U-Add. Refer to Figure 8 for a representation.
This score and cluster represent the strength of the idea with respect to the categories of Novelty  Inventive Step and Utility  which are the foremost criteria to award patents by a patent office. As can be seen  the present subject matter scores highest on novelty  followed by utility and inventive step. This objective assessment of an idea lends confidence to evaluate the merit of the idea. At this level  the claimable elements of the idea have been well established to take necessary steps to protect the idea as intellectual property.

Table 12: Scorecard
Invention Mining IDEA Title: A Collaborative System and Method to Mine Inventions in an Enterprise Invention Scorecard
Category (NIU) Area (PTMS)
Description & Weight Characteristic (EA3) Description & Weight Category Score
Desc. Efficient Adaptable Agile Anticipative
Desc. Wt. Desc. PTMS: 10  EA3: 10 2 2 2 4 N_Score
Novelty 4 Process 3 Max. Value
100
(10*10) 6+3 6+3 6 12+6+3 89
Technology 3 6 6 12
Measurement 2 4 8
System 2 8
Desc. Wt. Desc. PTMS: 05  EA3: 20 4 4 4 8 I_Score
Inventive Step 3 Process 1 Max. Value
100
(05*20) 4 4 8 36
Technology 1
Measurement 1 4
System 2 16
Desc. Wt. Desc. PTMS: 20  EA3: 05 2 1 1 1 U_Score
Utility 3 Process 4 Max. Value
100
(20*05) 8 63
Technology 4 8
Measurement 8 16 8
System 4 8+4 4+2+1 4
Aggregate Invention Scorecard (Out of 1000) = 4 * N_Score + 3 * I_Score + 3 * U_Score 653
Meta Metrics: # of cells populated = 22  # of statements populated = 29  Category cluster(s) = 2 - N U  Area cluster(s) =3 - NP  NT  US  Characteristic cluster (s) =5 - N-Eff  N-Agl  N-Ant  U-Eff  U-Add

Thus  through the collaboration process  the envisaged objects of the Collaborative System and Method to Mine Inventions in an Enterprise have been differentiated from prior art  questioned  deliberated and segmented to elaborate finer objects of the idea in order to render it patentable.

The system and method described herein enables creation of a sustained community of inventors who contribute to an ideation funnel and eventually build patent portfolios that count as valuable intellectual property assets. Thus  an ecosystem of sustained ideation funnel and inventor community is created  which is the foundation to create IP assets.

What is claimed is:

A computer-implemented system for mining invention  wherein the said system comprising at least one user device connected to a Collaborative Invention Mining (CIM) system via a network comprises:
a processor; and
a memory coupled to the processor  wherein the memory comprising:
an Idea Detailing Tree module to receive input ideation data through an input interface;
a Search and Analytics module to validate and analyze data iteratively at each predefined maturity stage ;
a digitized collaboration based Workflow Management module to track data across predefined maturity stages;
a Claim Construction module for construction of claimable idea elements;
an Idea Management module for administration of ideation data;
a Metrics Generation module to evaluate ideation data for generation of metrics;
an IP Management Interface module to collaborate with related systems for developing the ideation data ; and
a Display and Visualization Module to render output ideation data.
The system as claimed in claim 1  wherein the Idea Detailing Tree (IDT) module comprises:
an Idea Detailing Tree Matrix  wherein said matrix further comprises at least one of Parking Lot  Storm Pad  Form Pad  and a Norm Matrix; and
an IDT Validation sub module for validation of ideation data.
The system as claimed in claim 1  wherein the Search and Analytics module comprises at least one of:
a Search Index to store search attributes  wherein said attributes comprises at least one of keywords  classification code  geography  jurisdiction  assignee  and filing particulars;
a Landscaping sub module to perform prior art search and generate search results with associated search artifacts obtained from a search operation; and
a Gap Analysis sub module to identify gaps in terms of idea dimensions and related attributes compared to prior art search.
The system as claimed in claim 1  wherein the digitized collaboration based workflow management module comprises a validation mechanism to progress ideation data from the stages of Storm  Form  Norm and Compose through validation of entry  tasks  and exit criteria defined for each stage.
The system as claimed in Claim 1  wherein the Claim Construction Module comprises a Claim Mapping and Validation sub module to iteratively derive claim elements.

The Claim Mapping and Validation sub module as claimed in claim 5 is logically and communicatively coupled to said Idea Detailing Tree Module and Display and Visualization module for construction of a Claim Tree.

The system as claimed in claim 1  wherein the Idea Management module comprises:
a Scheduler to assign roles to tasks defined in a collaborative invention mining process;
an Idea Tracking sub module to tag ideation data and its associated artifacts and deliverables at each stage in a collaborative invention mining system with a unique identification; and
an Alert Publisher sub module to generate alerts to various stakeholders of a collaborative invention mining process  wherein alerts trigger at least one of commencement of a task and submission of a deliverable;
The system as claimed in claim 1  wherein the Metrics Generation module comprises:
a Scoring and Validation sub module to evaluate ideation data using weighted distribution for each category  area and characteristic dimensions;
a Score Pattern Analysis sub module to determine at least one of :
a set of clusters and their characteristics through meta metrics comprising at least one of category clusters  area cluster  and characteristic cluster;
dominance determination through pattern analysis of filled up cells in meta metrics;
performance measure of collaborative invention mining comprising at least one of Cell Density  Claims Density  Density Lift  Claims Lift  and percentage of mined ideas filed as patents within a predefined time frame  and
a Reporting and Views sub module to generate reports related to metrics generated for ideas.
The system as claimed in claim 1  wherein the Display and Visualization module comprises rendering a graphical ideation data output in a plurality of formats for metrics related to an idea mined; and rendering a Claim Tree in a visual format to indicate category  area  and characteristic of claimable ideation data in the collaborative invention mining system.
The Claim Tree as claimed in claim 9  comprises:
an arboreal representation comprising a root and a plurality of nodes  wherein each node represents at least one of a category  an area  a characteristic of a claim element when traversed from the root;
a representation of Claim Cardinality Index and type of claim elements derived from said Idea Detailing Tree module;
A method to collaboratively mine inventions  said method comprising:
identifying a plurality of dimensions and attributes to enrich ideation data;
defining iterative stages of developing ideation data across a plurality of dimensions and attributes; and
determining a sequence within said iterative stages of developing an idea along with associated role plays;
The method as claimed in claim 11  wherein said dimensions comprise at least one of category  area  and characteristics  wherein:
Category dimension comprises at least one of Novelty  Inventive Step and Utility attributes;
Area dimension comprises at least one of Process  Technology  Measurement  and System attributes; and
Characteristic dimension comprises at least one of Efficient  Adaptable  Agile and Anticipative attributes.
The method as claimed in claim 11  wherein iterative stages of collaborative development comprise at least one of:
Storm Stage  wherein ideation data are widened across said Category dimension comprising at least one of Novelty  Inventive Step and Utility attributes through collaborative questioning;
Form Stage  wherein ideation data are lengthened across said Area dimension comprising at least one of Process  Technology  Measurement and System attributes through collaborative deliberation;
Norm Stage  wherein ideation data are deepened across said Characteristic dimension comprising at least one of Efficient  Adaptable  Agile and Anticipative attributes through collaborative segmenting; and
Compose Stage  wherein patentable objects identified from ideation data are converged for claim composition and further analyzed to determine at least one of cluster  pattern and positioning.
The method as claimed in claim 11  wherein determining a sequence within said iterative stages of developing ideation data comprises defining at least one of an entry  task  validation and exit sequence for each of said stages of Storm  Form  Norm and Compose.
The method as claimed in claim 14  wherein said sequence is associated with predefined role plays to perform tasks determined in said entry  task  validation  and exit sequence for each said stage wherein the role plays comprising:
a moderator to govern the collaboration workflow;
a scripter to summarize multi-thread discussion for every atomic idea in a cryptic and understandable form;
a singular or plurality of inventors for parallel and task-based ideation data deliberation and entering into the CIM system;
a Prior art Search analyst to validate the input ideation data at each maturity stage; and
a claim analyst to analyze claimable ideation elements at the compose maturity stage of the collaboration workflow.

A method for evaluating and scoring ideas  the said method comprising:
generating an invention score card for an idea by computing cell density for claimable elements identified in an Idea Detailing Matrix;
analyzing cell distribution and pattern identification by clustering claimable elements;
invention categorization by dominance determination; and
measuring effectiveness of invention mining throughput.
The method as claimed in claim 16  wherein the method to generate an invention score card further comprises:
assigning weights to category  area and characteristics dimension in a predefined ratio;
defining a diminishing factor ? for computing scores for a plurality of entries for a given cell in the Idea Detailing matrix; and
obtaining an aggregate score by adding scores of category  area and characteristic cell entries.
Dated this 6th day of March  2012

Priyank Gupta
Agent for Applicant
IN-PA-1454

Abstract
A Collaborative System and Method to Mine Inventions

A system  method and computer program product for Collaborative Invention Mining (CIM) is described herein  comprising focused segmentation and articulation of an ideation object through a comprehensive 48-cell Idea Detailing Tree (IDT) module and systematically validating and maturing it iteratively towards patentable invention. The IDT is designed based on weighted Category  Area and Characteristic dimensions to widening scope  lengthening coverage and deepening sustenance capabilities of ideation object  respectively. The Collaboration workflow is designed on contextual SFNC (Storm-Form-Norm-Compose) hierarchical maturity stages  each of which further operates ETVX (Entry-Task-Validate-Exit) sequence to mature ideation object efficiently on a fast track mode to maximize stakeholders’ benefits with efficient use of resources. Scoring of the IDT matrix further evaluates and positions the ideation object by cell-pattern identification  dominance determination and Invention Mining Performance measure. A computer implemented system supporting the CIM process integrates with invention management system for administration  portfolio analysis and valuation.

Figure 5